GRE (Graduate Record Examination) Complete Details

 The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a globally recognized standardized test required for admission to many graduate programs, including master’s, doctoral, and sometimes business school programs. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is commonly used by institutions in the United States, Canada, and many other countries to assess candidates' preparedness for advanced study.

Key Details of GRE

1. Types of GRE

There are two main types of GRE exams:

• GRE General Test: Measures general skills such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
• GRE Subject Test: Assesses knowledge in specific subjects, such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The GRE Subject Test is taken by candidates applying for programs that require in-depth knowledge of these subjects.

Most graduate programs require the GRE General Test.

2. Eligibility Criteria

• No specific eligibility criteria: There are no age or academic qualification restrictions for taking the GRE.
• Intended for graduate-level applicants: Typically taken by students who have completed or are in the final year of their undergraduate studies.

3. GRE General Test Structure

The GRE General Test evaluates three main skills:

a) Analytical Writing

• Task: Two essay prompts.
  • Analyze an Issue: Present your opinion on a given topic.
  • Analyze an Argument: Evaluate a provided argument and discuss its strengths and weaknesses.
• Duration: 60 minutes (30 minutes per task).
• Score Range: 0 to 6 (in 0.5-point increments).

b) Verbal Reasoning

• Task: Two sections of reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions.
• Duration: 60 minutes (30 minutes per section).
• Score Range: 130 to 170 (in 1-point increments).

Types of questions:

• Reading Comprehension: Answer questions based on provided passages.
• Text Completion: Fill in the blanks with appropriate words based on the context.
• Sentence Equivalence: Select two answers that give the sentence a similar meaning.

c) Quantitative Reasoning

• Task: Two sections covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
• Duration: 70 minutes (35 minutes per section).
• Score Range: 130 to 170 (in 1-point increments).

Types of questions:

• Quantitative Comparison: Compare two quantities.
• Multiple Choice: Single answer or multiple answers.
• Numeric Entry: Enter a numeric answer.

d) Unscored and Research Sections

• There may be an unscored section that does not count toward your final score (this section is used by ETS to test future questions).
• A research section may also be included, typically for ETS research purposes. It is not scored and usually appears at the end of the test.

4. GRE Scoring

• Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 130 to 170.
• Analytical Writing is scored on a scale of 0 to 6.
• Your GRE score report will also include the percentile ranks, indicating how your scores compare to those of other test-takers.

5. GRE Subject Test Structure

• Available in four subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
• The subject tests are paper-based and offered three times a year (April, September, and October).
• Each test is scored on a scale of 200 to 990, with subscores available for certain tests.

6. GRE Exam Format

• Mode of Exam: The GRE General Test is available in two formats:
  • Computer-based (most common).
  • Paper-based (available in regions where computer-based testing is not possible).
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes (includes a 10-minute break).

7. Registration Process

• Online registration is available on the ETS official website. Candidates can select the test center, date, and time.
• GRE is conducted year-round, and candidates can take it once every 21 days, up to five times a year.

Registration Fee:

• General Test: USD 220 (may vary depending on the country).
• Subject Test: USD 150.

Fee waivers are available for eligible candidates.

8. Test Centers

• The GRE is conducted at various test centers across the world, including many cities in India. Candidates can check availability on the ETS website.

9. GRE Preparation Tips

• Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with the test structure, scoring system, and types of questions.
• Practice Tests: Take full-length practice tests to simulate the real exam experience and identify areas of weakness.
• Verbal Preparation: Build vocabulary, practice reading comprehension, and work on understanding complex passages.
• Quantitative Preparation: Strengthen your foundation in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Focus on solving problems within time constraints.
• Writing Skills: Practice writing essays for the Analytical Writing section. Learn how to structure essays clearly and effectively.
• Use ETS Resources: ETS provides free preparation materials, including sample questions, full-length practice tests, and tips for each section.

10. Score Validity and Reporting

• Score Validity: GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of the test.
• Score Reporting: You can send your GRE scores to up to four institutions for free. For additional reports, there is a fee of USD 27 per report.
• ScoreSelect Option: Allows you to send only your best scores to the institutions of your choice. You can choose which scores to send from your GRE General Test attempts.

11. Universities Accepting GRE Scores

• Most graduate programs in the United States and many programs in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia accept GRE scores.
• Many MBA programs also accept the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT.

12. GRE and Business Schools

• More business schools are accepting GRE scores for MBA admissions, giving candidates an option other than the GMAT. You can check individual school policies for whether they accept the GRE.

13. Important Dates

• GRE can be taken throughout the year for the computer-based test. Subject tests are offered on specific dates in April, September, and October.

14. Contact Information

For more details and to register for the exam, visit the official GRE website: https://www.ets.org/gre.

Conclusion

The GRE is a crucial exam for students aiming to pursue higher studies in various fields across the world. Adequate preparation, understanding the format, and using the right strategies can significantly enhance your performance in the exam.